U.S. patent application number 14/537731 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-12 for system for monitoring and controlling product distribution in an agricultural system.
This patent application is currently assigned to CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Bradley D. Hansen, Martin J. Roberge, Rex L. Ruppert.
Application Number | 20160128270 14/537731 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55911153 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160128270 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ruppert; Rex L. ; et
al. |
May 12, 2016 |
SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION IN AN
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM
Abstract
The present disclosure describes an agricultural system having a
flow path configured to distribute agricultural product from a
product storage tank to a row unit across a field via an air flow.
The flow path includes an inlet configured to receive the
agricultural product, an outlet configured to output the
agricultural product, a body extending between the inlet and the
outlet, and a first pressure tap and a second pressure tap each
extending into the body. The agricultural system also includes a
first pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the first pressure tap and
configured to output a first signal indicative of a first static
pressure of the air flow proximate to the first pressure tap, and a
second pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the second pressure tap
and configured to output a second signal indicative of a second
static pressure of the air flow proximate to the second pressure
tap. Further, the agricultural system includes a controller
communicatively coupled to the first pressure sensor and the second
pressure sensor and configured to receive the first signal and the
second signal, and a supplemental air supply fluidly coupled to the
flow path proximate to the inlet and configured to selectively
provide a supplemental air flow to the flow path. The controller is
configured to instruct the supplemental air supply to selectively
provide the supplemental air flow to the flow path based on the
first signal, the second signal, or a combination thereof.
Inventors: |
Ruppert; Rex L.; (Benson,
MN) ; Hansen; Bradley D.; (Montevideo, MN) ;
Roberge; Martin J.; (Saskatoon, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd. |
Saskatoon |
|
SK |
|
|
Assignee: |
CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
55911153 |
Appl. No.: |
14/537731 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
239/68 ;
701/50 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01C 7/102 20130101;
A01C 15/00 20130101; A01M 9/0053 20130101; A01C 7/081 20130101;
A01C 15/04 20130101; A01M 9/0092 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01C 7/08 20060101
A01C007/08; A01C 15/00 20060101 A01C015/00; A01C 7/10 20060101
A01C007/10; A01M 9/00 20060101 A01M009/00 |
Claims
1. An agricultural system, comprising: a flow path configured to
distribute agricultural product from a product storage tank to a
row unit across a field via an air flow, wherein the flow path
comprises an inlet configured to receive the agricultural product,
an outlet configured to output the agricultural product, a body
extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a first pressure
tap and a second pressure tap each extending into the body; a first
pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the first pressure tap and
configured to output a first signal indicative of a first static
pressure of the air flow proximate to the first pressure tap; a
second pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the second pressure tap
and configured to output a second signal indicative of a second
static pressure of the air flow proximate to the second pressure
tap; a controller communicatively coupled to the first pressure
sensor and the second pressure sensor and configured to receive the
first signal and the second signal; and a supplemental air supply
fluidly coupled to the flow path proximate to the inlet and
configured to selectively provide a supplemental air flow to the
flow path, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the
supplemental air supply to selectively provide the supplemental air
flow to the flow path based on the first signal, the second signal,
or a combination thereof.
2. The agricultural system of claim 1, comprising a control system
having the controller, wherein the control system comprises a
display communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to
display primary information indicative of the first static
pressure, the second static pressure, a comparison between the
first and second static pressures, or a combination thereof,
wherein the display is viewable by an operator.
3. The agricultural system of claim 2, wherein the display is
configured to display supplemental information indicative of a
current operating capacity of the agricultural system, a suggested
operating capacity of the agricultural system, a target operating
capacity of the agricultural system, or a combination thereof.
4. The agricultural system of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to determine a pressure drop between the second static
pressure and the first static pressure and to instruct the
supplemental air supply to selectively provide the supplemental air
flow to the flow path while the pressure drop exceeds a pressure
drop tolerance.
5. The agricultural system of claim 1, comprising an air blower
configured to provide the air flow to the flow path, wherein the
controller is configured to control a velocity of the air flow
provided by the air blower.
6. The agricultural system of claim 1, wherein the supplemental air
supply is configured to provide the air flow to the flow path,
wherein the controller is configured to control a speed of the air
flow provided by the supplemental air supply
7. The agricultural system of claim 1, comprising the product
storage tank configured to store the agricultural product and a
metering device configured to meter the agricultural product at a
desired rate to the inlet of the flow path, wherein the controller
is communicatively coupled to the metering device and the
controller is configured to control the desired rate of the
metering device.
8. The agricultural system of claim 1, wherein the agricultural
product comprises seed, fertilizer, pesticide, or a combination
thereof.
9. The agricultural system of claim 1, wherein the supplemental air
supply is configured to provide the supplemental air flow as a
short duration supplemental air flow, a long duration supplemental
air flow, a series of pulsated supplemental air flows, a patterned
series of supplemental air flows, a series of random duration
supplemental air flows, or a combination thereof.
10. An agricultural system, comprising: a product distribution
system, comprising: a plurality of flow paths configured to
distribute agricultural product from a product storage tank to row
units via air flows, wherein each flow path of the plurality of
flow paths comprises an inlet configured to receive the
agricultural product, an outlet configured to output the
agricultural product, a body extending between the inlet and the
outlet, and a first pressure tap and a second pressure tap each
extending into the body; and an air blower configured to provide
the air flows to the plurality of flow paths to distribute the
agricultural product; and a control system configured to control
the product distribution system, comprising: a plurality of first
pressure sensors fluidly coupled to the first pressure taps and
configured to output first signals indicative of first static
pressures of the air flows proximate to the first pressure taps; a
plurality of second pressure sensors fluidly coupled to the second
pressure taps and configured to output second signals indicative of
second static pressures of the air flows proximate to the second
pressure taps; a controller communicatively coupled to the first
pressure sensors and the second pressure sensors and configured to
receive the first signals and the second signals; and a
supplemental air supply fluidly coupled to the plurality of flow
paths proximate to the inlets and configured to selectively provide
supplemental air flows to one or more flow path of the plurality of
flow paths, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the
supplemental air supply to selectively provide the supplemental air
flows to the one or more flow paths based on the first signals, the
second signals, or a combination thereof.
11. The agricultural system of claim 10, wherein the controller is
configured to instruct the supplemental air supply to selectively
provide the supplemental air flows by way of an input command
entered manually by an operator.
12. The agricultural system of claim 10, wherein the control system
comprises a display communicatively coupled to the controller and
configured to display primary information indicative of the first
static pressures, the second static pressures, a comparison between
the first static pressures and second static pressures, or a
combination thereof, wherein the display is viewable by an
operator.
13. The agricultural system of claim 12, wherein the display is
configured to display supplemental information indicative of a
current operating capacity of the agricultural system, a suggested
operating capacity of the agricultural system, a target operating
capacity of the agricultural system, or a combination thereof.
14. The agricultural system of claim 10, wherein the controller,
for each flow path of the plurality of flow paths, is configured
to, automatically or by way of an input command entered by an
operator, determine a pressure drop between the first pressure and
the second pressure and instruct the supplemental air supply to
provide the supplemental air flow to the flow path while the
pressure drop exceeds a pressure drop tolerance.
15. The agricultural system of claim 10, wherein the controller is
configured to control a speed of the air flow provided by the air
blower.
16. The agricultural system of claim 10, comprising the product
storage tank configured to store the agricultural product and a
metering device configured to meter the agricultural product at a
desired rate to the inlets of the plurality of flow paths, wherein
the controller is communicatively coupled to the metering device
and the controller is configured to control the desired rate of the
metering device.
17. The agricultural system of claim 10, wherein the supplemental
air supply and the air blower are a single integral unit.
18. The agricultural system of claim 10, wherein the supplemental
air supply is configured to provide the supplemental air flow as a
short duration supplemental air flow, a long duration supplemental
air flow, a series of pulsated supplemental air flows, a patterned
series of supplemental air flows, a series of random duration
supplemental air flows, or a combination thereof.
19. A control system configured to control a product distribution
system of an agricultural implement, wherein the control system
comprises: a first pressure sensor fluidly coupled to a first
pressure tap of a flow path of the product distribution system,
wherein the first pressure sensor is configured to output a first
signal indicative of a first static pressure of an air flow through
the flow path and the first pressure sensor is disposed proximate
to an inlet of the flow path; a second pressure sensor fluidly
coupled to a second pressure tap of the flow path, wherein the
second pressure sensor is configured to output a second signal
indicative of a second static pressure of the air flow through the
flow path and the second pressure sensor is disposed proximate to
an outlet of the flow path; and a controller communicatively
coupled to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor
and configured to receive the signal indicative of the first static
pressure and the signal indicative of the second static pressure,
wherein the controller is configured to compare the first static
pressure to the second static pressure, to identify a product clog
within the flow path based on the comparison, and to instruct a
supplemental air supply of the product distribution system to
provide a supplemental air flow to the flow path to clear the flow
path of the product clog, to reduce product build-up associated
with a pre-clog condition, or a combination thereof.
20. The control system of claim 19, comprising a display
communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to display
primary information indicative of the first static pressure, the
second static pressure, the comparison between the first and second
static pressures, or a combination thereof, wherein the display is
viewable by an operator.
21. The control system of claim 19, wherein the supplemental air
supply also supplies the air flow and the air flow is configured to
convey agricultural product through the flow path of the product
distribution system.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to monitoring and
controlling product distribution in agricultural systems.
[0002] Generally, certain agricultural implements and vehicles
(e.g., seeders, floaters, and planters) are configured to
distribute product (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, and pesticides) across
a field. The agricultural implement/vehicle may improve crop yield
and/or farming efficiency by increasing an amount of product
distributed and/or a speed at which the product is distributed
across the field. Accordingly, the agricultural implement may
improve crop yield and/or farming efficiency by operating at, or
near, maximum capacity.
[0003] However, traditional agricultural implement/vehicle
distribution systems, or components thereof (e.g., booms), may
become clogged with product during operation, especially when
operating at or near maximum capacity. Clogs reduce crop yield
and/or farming efficiency by decreasing an amount of product
distributed and/or speed at which the product is distributed across
the field. Accordingly, operators of traditional agricultural
implements/vehicles often (a) operate at or near maximum capacity,
which may result in increased product clogs (resulting in reduced
yields/efficiency), or (b) operate substantially below maximum
capacity to reduce a likelihood of developing product clogs, which
results in reduced yield and/or efficiency.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0004] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the present
disclosure are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended
to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments
are intended only to provide a brief summary of possible forms of
the disclosure. Indeed, the disclosure may encompass a variety of
forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set
forth below.
[0005] In a first embodiment, an agricultural system includes a
flow path configured to distribute agricultural product from a
product storage tank to a row unit across a field via an air flow.
The flow path includes an inlet configured to receive the
agricultural product, an outlet configured to output the
agricultural product, a body extending between the inlet and the
outlet, and a first pressure tap and a second pressure tap each
extending into the body. The agricultural system also includes a
first pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the first pressure tap and
configured to output a first signal indicative of a first static
pressure of the air flow proximate to the first pressure tap, and a
second pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the second pressure tap
and configured to output a second signal indicative of a second
static pressure of the air flow proximate to the second pressure
tap. Further, the agricultural system includes a controller
communicatively coupled to the first pressure sensor and the second
pressure sensor and configured to receive the first signal and the
second signal, and a supplemental air supply fluidly coupled to the
flow path proximate to the inlet and configured to selectively
provide a supplemental air flow to the flow path. The controller is
configured to instruct the supplemental air supply to selectively
provide the supplemental air flow to the flow path based on the
first signal, the second signal, or a combination thereof.
[0006] In a second embodiment, an agricultural system includes a
product distribution system. The product distribution system
includes flow paths configured to distribute agricultural product
from a product storage tank to row units via air flows. Each flow
path includes an inlet configured to receive the agricultural
product, an outlet configured to output the agricultural product, a
body extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a first
pressure tap and a second pressure tap each extending into the
body. The product distribution system also includes an air blower
configured to provide the air flows to the flow paths for
distributing the agricultural product. The agricultural system also
includes a control system configured to control the product
distribution system. The control system includes first pressure
sensors fluidly coupled to the first pressure taps and configured
to output first signals indicative of first static pressures of the
air flows proximate to the first pressure taps, and second pressure
sensors fluidly coupled to the second pressure taps and configured
to output second signals indicative of second static pressures of
the air flows proximate to the second pressure taps. The control
system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the
first pressure sensors and the second pressure sensors and
configured to receive the first signals and the second signals.
Further, the control system includes a supplemental air supply
fluidly coupled to the flow paths proximate to the inlets and
configured to selectively provide supplemental air flows to one or
more flow path of the flow paths. The controller is configured to
instruct the supplemental air supply to selectively provide the
supplemental air flows to the one or more flow paths based on the
first signals, the second signals, or a combination thereof.
DRAWINGS
[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present disclosure will become better understood when the following
detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout
the drawings, wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of an
agricultural implement having a control system configured to at
least partially control a product distribution system of the
agricultural implement;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the agricultural implement
of FIG. 1 having the control system and the product distribution
system;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a control
system and a product distribution system that may be used on the
agricultural implement of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the control
system and the product distribution system of FIG. 3;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a conduit
that may be used in the product distribution system of FIG. 3;
and
[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a display
that may be used in the control system of the agricultural
implement of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure
will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise
description of these embodiments, all features of an actual
implementation may not be described in the specification. It should
be appreciated that in the development of any such actual
implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous
implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the
developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related
and business-related constraints, which may vary from one
implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that
such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but
would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication,
and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of
this disclosure.
[0015] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the
present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are
intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The
terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be
inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than
the listed elements. Any examples of operating parameters and/or
environmental conditions are not exclusive of other
parameters/conditions of the disclosed embodiments.
[0016] Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to systems for
monitoring and controlling product distribution in agricultural
implements. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a
system for maintaining a desirable rate of product distribution
through conduits of the agricultural implement. For example, the
agricultural implement may be an agricultural applicator having one
or more storage containers for storing agricultural product (e.g.,
seeds, fertilizer, and/or pesticides). The agricultural implement
may include an air-driven metering and distribution system (or
product distribution system, for short) configured to meter and
distribute product to applicators that apply the product to a
field. The agricultural applicators may include respective nozzles
(e.g., outlets) and are positioned on booms (e.g., arms) that
extend laterally outwardly from the agricultural applicator. The
agricultural product is routed through the conduits attached to the
booms via an air flow generated by, for example, a fan or
compressor of the product distribution system.
[0017] Disclosed embodiments are directed particularly to a control
system configured to monitor and control a rate of product
distribution through the conduits, in which the rate of product
distribution through the conduits may depend on inputs (e.g.,
pressure or velocity measurements) to the control system. For
example, the control system may communicate with the product
distribution system to control the product distribution system. In
particular, the control system may communicate with a supplemental
air supply of the product distribution system, in which the
supplemental air supply is configured to provide a supplemental air
flow to one or more of the conduits (e.g., flow paths) to unclog
the flow path and/or to reduce a likelihood of product clogs
forming in the flow path. Indeed, the control system may include
pressure measurement devices, or some other measurement devices,
configured to determine static pressures, velocities, or flow rates
proximate to various locations of the conduits/flow paths to
determine if a product clog is present and/or likely to form.
Accordingly, based on, for example, the pressure measurements, the
control system may automatically activate the supplemental air
supply (or, in some embodiments, the control system may
automatically determine a desired operating capacity of the
agricultural implement, as described below). In certain
embodiments, the control system may include a display configured to
provide an operator with real-time or near real-time information
relating to the rate of product distribution, a susceptibility of
the product distribution system to a product clog, and overall
performance of the agricultural implement, such that the operator
may manually activate the supplemental air supply and/or determine
the desired operating capacity of the agricultural implement.
[0018] It should be noted that the desired operating capacity may
be based on a calculation performed by the control system, may be
determined by the operator, or may be determined based on other or
a combination of considerations. Indeed, in some embodiments, the
desired operating capacity may vary based on the operator's
preference. For example, the control system may take into account
historical data relating to operating capacity and susceptibility
of product clogs and, based on the historical data, determine and
automatically set the desired operating capacity. Additionally or
alternatively, the operator may determine the desired operating
capacity based on information shown on the display or other
considerations. In general, the control system is configured to
improve efficiency and performance of the agricultural implement in
accordance with the description above, and will be described in
detail below with reference to the figures.
[0019] With the foregoing in mind, FIG. 1 is a side perspective
view of an embodiment of an agricultural applicator granular
fertilizer implement 10 (e.g., applicator) configured to meter and
distribute product (e.g., fertilizer) as the applicator 10 travels
through a field. The illustrated applicator 10 is self-propelled
and includes wheels 12 (e.g., floatation wheels) configured to
travel over the field while distributing the weight of the
applicator 10 over a large area. The applicator 10 includes a
chassis assembly 14 (e.g., frame) configured to support one or more
product storage containers 16 (e.g., storage volumes, bins, or
tanks). The storage containers 16 may be part of a product
distribution system 17 of the applicator 10. In some embodiments,
the product storage containers 16 may be divided into multiple
compartments. The product storage containers 16 are configured to
hold (e.g., support or store) various solid particulate
agricultural products, such as fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides,
nutrients, or other biologically-active agents, for example. In
some cases, the product storage containers 16 may store advanced
granules.
[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the product distribution
system 17 of the applicator 10 has two elongated arms or booms 20
mounted on the chassis assembly 14, in which the booms 20 are
configured to support conduits/flow paths 22 that receive product
from the product storage containers 16. In other embodiments, the
product distribution system 17 may have fewer or more booms 20. In
embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure, the product
distribution system 17 includes an air blower 21 configured to blow
air through the flow paths 22 of the booms to convey the product
from the product storage containers 16 through the flow paths 22.
In particular, the air flow routed through the flow paths 22 via
the air blower 21 is configured to convey the product through the
flow paths 22 to applicator devices 23 at outlets 24 of the flow
paths 22. The applicator devices 23, for example, may each include
a nozzle configured to output the product.
[0021] In addition to the air blower 21, the product distribution
system 17 of the applicator 10, in accordance with present
embodiments, also includes a supplemental air supply 25. The
supplemental air supply 25 is configured to be selectively operated
to provide supplemental air flows through the flow paths 22 of the
booms 20. Supplemental air flows provided by the supplemental air
supply 25 are configured to break up product clogs within the flow
paths 22. The supplemental air supply 25 may provide a sustained
supplemental air flow, or the supplemental air supply 25 may
provide a pulsed supplemental air flow. Indeed, the term
"supplemental air flow" used herein may refer to a number of
different types of supplemental air flows, including a short boost
or flow, a long boost or flow, a series of pulsed or pulsated
boosts or flows, a series of random boosts flows, or a combination
thereof.
[0022] In general, the supplemental air supply 25 is actuated by a
control system 26 of the applicator 10 (or an operator thereof),
and the control system 26, or an operator thereof, may instruct the
supplemental air supply 25 when to provide the supplemental air
flow and what type of supplemental air flow to provide. The control
system 26 is configured to receive signals indicative of pressures
(or air flow velocities) from sensors located in various areas of
the flow paths 22. Determined pressures and/or velocities may
indicate that a product clog in one or more of the flow paths 22 is
present, imminent, or likely to form. For example, each of the flow
paths 22 may include a constant cross-sectional area with respect
to the directions the air flow through the flow path 22. If product
builds up within the flow path 22, the cross-sectional area of the
flow path 22 is reduced proximate to the buildup. Accordingly, a
static pressure proximate to the reduced cross-sectional area
decreases (e.g., with respect to the static pressure upstream from
the reduced cross-sectional area) as the air flow velocity
correspondingly increases. The increase in velocity (and, thus,
dynamic pressure) and the corresponding decrease in static pressure
is commonly referred to as a Venturi effect, and the
pressure/velocity can be readily determined from Bernoulli's
principle. By taking pressure measurements (e.g., static pressure
measurements) at various locations in each flow path 22 of the
booms 20, a pressure drop can be determined between two of the
various locations (e.g., an upstream location and a downstream
location), which indicates the presence or likelihood of formation
of a product at the downstream location. It should be noted,
however, that velocities, instead of pressures, may be determined
at similar locations to the pressures, and compared in a similar
manner to determine the presence or likelihood of formation of a
product clog. For example, an increase in velocity between the
upstream location and the downstream location in the flow path 22
may indicate that a product clog is occurring, or is likely to
occur, at the downstream location.
[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the control system 26 may be
manually or automatically operated to instruct the supplemental air
supply 25 to provide supplemental air flows. The control system 26,
based on the pressure determinations (as described above), may also
automatically determine a desired operating capacity of the
applicator 10 and instruct a metering device 27 (integral or
separate from the product storage tanks 16) to provide product to
the flow paths 22 (e.g., conduits) at a desired rate. Additionally
or alternatively, the control system 26, based on the determined
pressures (or velocities), may instruct the air blower 21 to
operate at a desired capacity for providing air flow to the flow
path 22. For example, air flow could be based on (e.g., correspond
with) product flow rate. The control system 26, the product
distribution system 17, and the applicator 10 are described in
detail below with reference to later figures.
[0024] For purposes of discussion, the applicator 10 may be
described with reference to an axial axis or direction 28, a
lateral axis or direction 30, and a vertical axis or direction 32.
Further, the applicator 10 may move in a forward direction 34
across the field. In a working position, the booms 20 extend
generally laterally outward (e.g., along the lateral axis 30) from
the chassis assembly 14 and may be generally parallel to a surface
of the field to facilitate distribution of the solids to the field.
In a transport or storage position, the booms 20 may be folded
against the chassis assembly 14 such that they extend generally in
the axial direction 28. Each of the booms 20 may have any suitable
length 35 for distributing the solids across a large surface area
as the applicator 10 travels across the field. For example, each of
the booms 20 may be approximately 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or more
meters (m) or more. In some embodiments, each of the booms may be
between approximately 10 m to 30 m, or 15 m to 25 m.
[0025] Although the applicator 10 of FIG. 1 is a self-propelled
applicator 10, it should be understood that the applicator 10 may
be a towed applicator implement that is supported by wheels and
coupled to a tow vehicle (e.g., a harvester, a tractor, or the
like). Additionally, the disclosed embodiments for metering and
distributing solids may be adapted for use with other types of
agricultural implements and/or other types of applicators.
[0026] Turning now to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram of an embodiment
of the applicator 10 having the control system 26 configured to at
least partially control and/or monitor the product distribution
system 17 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the product
distribution system 17 includes the product storage tank 16
configured to store granular product (e.g., fertilizer), the
product meter 27 configured to meter the product (e.g., control a
rate at which product is distributed to inlets 40 of the flow paths
22), and a compressor 42 configured to compress air and to provide
air to the supplemental air supply 25 (where the air blower 21 is a
standalone unit and does not need the compressor 42). The product
distribution system 17 also includes the booms 20 having the flow
paths 22, which are configured to route product from the product
storage tank 16 along the booms 20 (e.g., through the flow paths
22) to the outlets 24 via an air flow from the air blower 21. It
should be noted that inlet 40, in the present disclosure, may refer
to an inlet area or region that includes inlets for the receiving
the product from the product storage tank 16 separate from inlets
for receiving air from the air blower 21. Alternatively, the
product may be entrained in the air flow from the air blower 21
before entering the flow paths 22.
[0027] The control system 26 in the illustrated embodiment includes
a controller 44 and a display 46, and the controller 44 and/or the
display 46 include separate (or, in some embodiments, shared)
memory 48. The memory 48 is configured to store executable
instructions which, when executed by the controller 44 (or a
processor 49), perform various functions related to control and/or
monitoring of the product distribution system 17.
[0028] The control system 26 also includes one or more pressure
sensors 50 (e.g., pressure gauges, venturi meters, or other
pressure measurement devices) or velocity sensors configured to
measure a static pressure (or velocity) of air or fluid within the
one or more flow path 22 (e.g., conduits) of the booms 20. For
simplicity of discussion, pressure measurement devices and in
particular pressure sensors, will be described in detail herein,
although it should be noted that velocity measurement devices
(e.g., velocity sensors), or a different type of pressure
measurement device, may be utilized in the same or a similar
manner, as previously described. For example, the pressure sensors
50 are each coupled to respective pressure taps 52 extending into
the flow paths 22. The pressure taps 52 are oriented perpendicular
to the flow of air through the flow paths 22 (e.g., perpendicular
to walls defining the flow paths 22 and, thus, perpendicular to the
air flow through the flow paths 22), such that static pressure of
the air or fluid can be measured via the static pressure
measurement devices or sensors 50. Further, the pressure taps 52
may be located at various locations along the flow path 22. For
example, in one embodiment, a first pressure tap 52 is located
proximate to the inlet 40 of one flow path 22, and a second
pressure tap 52 is located proximate to the outlet 24 of the same
flow path 22. Accordingly, a first pressure sensor 50 determines
the static pressure at the first pressure tap 52 proximate to the
inlet 40 and a second pressure sensor 50 determines the static
pressure at the second pressure tap 52 proximate to the outlet 24.
Signals indicative of the two determined pressures are sent from
the sensors 50 to the controller 44 and received by the controller
44 which, upon execution of instructions stored in the memory 48,
compares the two pressures and determines if a clog is present in
the flow path 22, or if a clog is likely to form. Alternatively or
additionally, as previously described, the controller 44 may be
configured to receive and compare signals indicative of determined
velocities from various locations in each flow path 22.
[0029] After determining a status of the flow path 22 (e.g.,
whether a product clog is present, imminent, or likely to form),
the controller 44 may, based on the executable instructions stored
in the memory 48, instruct the supplemental air supply 25 to
provide a supplemental air flow to the flow path 22. As previously
described, the supplemental air flow may be a long supplemental air
flow, a short supplemental air flow, a pulsed or pulsated
supplemental air flow, or some other type of supplemental air flow.
The particular supplemental air flow selected by the controller 44
may be determined based on whether the product clog has already
occurred or the likelihood of the product clog occurring in the
future. Additionally, the particular supplemental air flow selected
by the controller 44 may be selected based on a magnitude of the
product clog in the flow path 22. For example, based on the signals
(e.g., indicative of the pressures) provided to the controller 44
by the static pressure sensors 50, the controller 44 may determine
a percentage (e.g., within a range) of the cross-sectional area of
the flow path 22 that is clogged. The controller 44 may then
determine which type of supplemental air flow to instruct of the
supplemental air supply 25 to provide based at least in part on the
percentage of clog, the location of the clog, or a combination
thereof.
[0030] Alternatively, the controller 44 may compare the determined
pressures as described above and, instead of directly instructing
the supplemental air supply 25 to provide supplemental air flow(s),
the controller 44 may provide information via a signal to the
display 46 of the control system 26. The display 46 is generally
viewable and accessible by an operator of the applicator 10, such
that the operator may, depending on the embodiment, directly
operate the supplemental air supply 25 via the display 46 (e.g., a
touch screen display) or a user interface proximate to the display
46. Further, in some embodiments, the controller 44 may
automatically instruct the supplemental air supply 25, and may also
provide information to the display 46. In certain embodiments, the
supplemental air supply 25 may automatically operate via
instructions from the controller 44, and the operator of the
applicator 10 may manually override or supplement the automatic
control of the supplemental air supply 25.
[0031] It should be noted that, in addition to pressure taps 52 and
corresponding pressure sensors 50 located at or proximate to the
inlets 40 and outlets 24 of the flow paths 22, pressure taps 52 and
corresponding pressure sensors 50, in some embodiments, are
distributed along the flow path(s) 22 at various other locations.
Accordingly, fluid pressure may be determined at particular
locations along the flow path 22 and provided to the controller 44.
For example, a single flow path 22 may include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
9, or 10 or more pressure taps 52 and corresponding pressure gauges
50. Based on signals indicative of the pressures from the multiple
sensors 50, the controller 44 may identify a location or potential
range of locations within the flow path 22 where a product clog has
formed or is likely to form. Information related to the location of
the product clog may enable the controller 44 to determine an
appropriate type of supplemental air flow to instruct the
supplemental air supply 25 to provide. Further, each of the booms
20 (e.g., arms) may include multiple flow paths 22, in which the
flow paths 22 each distribute product. For example, a first flow
path 22 of one boom 20 distributes product proximate to the chassis
assembly 14 of the applicator 10 via an outlet 24 of a first
applicator device 23. A second flow path 22 of the same boom 20
distributes product to another outlet 24 of a second applicator
device 23 positioned laterally outwardly from the first applicator
device 23, relative to the chassis assembly 14. A third flow path
22 of the same boom 20 distributes product a distance outwardly
from the second flow path 22, relative to the chassis assembly 14,
through a third outlet 24 of a third applicator device 23, and so
on, and so forth. The distribution of the applicator devices 23
along the booms 20 (e.g., at the outlets 24 of the flow paths 22)
enables the applicator 10 to distribute product over a large area
as the applicator 10 moves across the field. Each of the flow paths
22 includes pressure taps 52, as previously described, and
respective pressure sensors 50 (e.g., pressure sensors) fluidly
coupled to each of the pressure taps 52. Accordingly, product clogs
may be detected or preempted in each of the flow paths 22. Further,
each of the flow paths 22 may include a separate supplemental air
supply 25, or a single supplemental air supply 25 may be coupled to
each of the flow paths 22 and may be configured to pivot
supplemental air flows to a particular flow path 22 based on
identification of a product clog (or susceptibility to a product
clog) in the particular flow path 22, as determined by the
controller 44 (or an operator thereof). Accordingly, the controller
44 (or an operator) may instruct the supplemental air supply 25 (or
one of the multiple supplemental air supplies 25) to provide a
supplemental air flow to the clogged (or potentially soon to be
clogged) flow path 22 of, for example, one of the two booms 20.
[0032] It should also be noted that, in some embodiments, the
controller 44, based on pressure signals provided by the static
pressure sensors 50 (or based on velocity signals provided by
velocity sensors 50), may instruct the product distribution system
17 to operate at a determined operating capacity. For example, the
controller 44 may, in some embodiments, instruct the product meter
27 to meter product at a particular rate. Additionally, the
controller 44 may, in some embodiments, instruct the air blower 21
to provide the air flow to the flow paths 22 of the booms 20 at a
particular rate. Thus, the controller 44 may determine an operating
capacity that substantially reduces the possibility of product
clogs forming in the flow paths 22. Alternatively, the controller
44 may output signals to the display 46, such that the display 46
presents information to an operator of the applicator 10 that
enables the operator to determine a desired operating capacity
(e.g., an operating capacity that substantially reduces the
possibility of clog formation) and to manually operate the product
distribution system 17 accordingly. Additionally or alternatively,
the display 46, in some embodiments, shows the operator a desired
operating capacity as determined by the control system 26, such
that the operator can accept the desired operating capacity
determined by the control system 26 or override the desired
operating capacity determined by the control system 26 by manually
selecting the operating capacity. Further, if the capacity of the
product distribution system 17 (e.g., application system) is
lowered, a slower vehicle speed may be desired, such that the
overall application rate (e.g., pounds per acre) does not change.
The controller 44 may send signals/information to the vehicle 10
(e.g., applicator) to change its ground speed, or notify the
operator.
[0033] Turning now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of an embodiment
of the control system 26 and the product distribution system 17 is
shown. As illustrated, one boom 20 of the applicator 10 includes
multiple flow paths 22 (e.g., conduits or piping). As previously
described, the flow paths 22 include respective applicator devices
23 at outlets 24 of the flow paths 22. The applicator devices 23,
for example, may include nozzles configured to output the product,
and the applicator devices 23 are disposed progressively farther
from the applicator 10 with each successive flow path 22.
Accordingly, the product (e.g., fertilizer) is distributed in rows
(e.g., row units) over a larger area of the field.
[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the air blower 21 provides
fluid flow (e.g., air flow) to each of the flow paths 22 of the
illustrated boom 20, where the air blower 21 may be coupled to, or
a part of, the compressor 42, as previously described. In certain
embodiments, the air blower 21 may not include a compressor and may
be a standalone unit. Also coupled to the compressor 42, in the
illustrated embodiment, is the supplemental air supply 25 which is
configured to, upon instruction from the controller 44 of the
control system 26 (e.g., via signals provided by the controller
44), provide one or more supplemental air flows to one or more of
the flow paths 22 (e.g., pipes or tubes) of the boom 20. In the
illustrated embodiment, each of the flow paths 22 includes one
pressure tap 52 proximate to the inlet 40 of the flow path and one
pressure tap proximate to the outlet 24 of the flow path. It should
be noted that, as previously described, the inlet 40 of each flow
path 22 may refer to an inlet area or region of the flow path 22
(e.g., conduit or pipe) configured to receive a flow of air and
product (e.g., from the product storage tank 16). For example, the
inlet 40 may include an inlet configured to receive the product
(e.g., from the product storage tank) and in inlet configured to
receive the air flow (e.g., from the air blower 21). Thus, for
example, each of the flow paths 22 may include an opening for
receiving air or fluid from the air blower 21 and a separate
opening for receiving product from the product storage tank 16,
where two openings may be collectively referred to the inlet 40.
Alternatively, in other embodiments, the product may be entrained
in the air flow at some point upstream of the flow paths 22.
[0035] Each of the flow paths 22, as previously described, includes
at least two pressure taps 52 and corresponding static pressure
sensors 50 (e.g., proximate to the inlet 40 and proximate to the
outlet 24). However, multiple other pressure taps 52 and
corresponding sensors 50 may be disposed along each flow path 22
(e.g., between the inlet 40 and the outlet 24). The pressure
sensors 50 may be embedded or inserted into the pressure taps 52.
The pressure sensors 50 are configured to output signals indicative
of static pressure (or, alternatively, velocity) proximate to the
inlet 40 of each flow path 22 and/or proximate to the outlet 24 of
each flow path 22. The pressure sensors 50 output the signals to
the controller 44 of the control system 26 for processing. The
signals may be transmitted via wiring along an inside or outside of
each of the flow paths 22 to the controller 44 or, in some
embodiments, the pressure sensors 50 and the controller 44 may be
communicatively coupled to an Internet system 60 (or some other
network) and the signals may be communicated over the Internet
system 60. In either configuration, the controller 44 receives the
static pressure signals (or velocity signals, as previously
described) and determines, based on the static pressure signals (or
velocity signals), which, if any, flow paths 22 include product
clogs or are likely to develop product clogs in the future. For
example, as previously described, if the static pressure proximate
to the outlet 24 of one flow path 22 is substantially lower than
the static pressure measured proximate to the inlet 40 (or is
otherwise substantially lower than would be expected proximate to
the outlet 24) of the flow path 22, a product clog may be present,
imminent, or likely to form. The static pressure drop, as
previously described, is consistent with Bernoulli's principle, and
indicates that the cross-sectional area of the flow path 22 is
reduced with respect to the direction of the air flow. In other
words, a substantial decrease in static pressure across the flow
path (e.g., a pressure drop or static pressure drop), from the
inlet 40 to the outlet 24, generally indicates an increase in
dynamic pressure, which also indicates an increase in flow speed
that is consistent with a decreased cross-sectional area or a
product build up (and, thus, is consistent with Bernoulli's
principle, the principle of continuity, the Venturi effect, the
principle of conservation of mechanical energy, etc.). To dislodge
the product clog, the controller 44 may instruct the supplemental
air supply 25 to provide a supplemental air flow to the appropriate
flow path in accordance with the description below.
[0036] It should be noted that detection of partial product clogs
may depend on a number of factors. For example, a partial product
clog not near one of the pressure sensors 50 may be difficult to
detect if flow at least partially recovers downstream of the
partial product clog. For example, a partial product clog may be
more readily detected by a pressure sensor 50 immediately
downstream the partial product clog. Of course, a partial product
clog is likely to generate a higher than expected head loss in the
flow path 22 that includes the partial product clog. Thus, it may
be possible, depending on the extent or magnitude of the partial
product clog, to detect the partial product clog via a sensor 50
that is not immediately adjacent to and downstream the partial
product clog. However, in general, including an increased number of
sensors 50 (e.g., located an increased number of locations along
the flow path 22) may enable faster and more accurate detection of
partial product clogs or product clogs that are likely to occur, as
one of the sensors 50 is likely to be located closer to the partial
product clog than if a reduced number of sensors 50 is
included.
[0037] In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 3, one supplemental
air supply 25 is fluidly coupled to each of the flow paths 22. The
supplemental air supply 25 includes multiple valves in fluid
communication with a common air source, and each valve is fluidly
coupled a respective flow path 22. Upon instruction from the
controller 44, each of the valves (or one or more of the valves)
may be selectively opened or closed to enable fluid to flow from
the supplemental air supply 25 to one or more of the flow paths 22.
Via the valved configuration described above, the supplemental air
supply 25, upon instruction from the controller 44, selectively
enables or disables fluid communication between the supplemental
air supply 25 and selected flow paths 22 of the boom 20. Put
differently, the controller 44 may instruct the supplemental air
supply 25 to, for example, leave only one valve open and close the
remaining valves. Accordingly, air provided to the supplemental air
supply 25 from the compressor 42 (or some other source) may be
directed to only one flow path 22 as a supplemental air flow. The
compressor 42 may provide air to the supplemental air supply 25 at
a desired pressure or at a desired flow rate, for a desired
duration, in pulses, or in some other manner, as instructed by the
controller 44. Alternatively or additionally, the supplemental air
supply 25 may be instructed by the controller 44 to open and/or
close valves in a certain manner depending on the desired type of
supplemental air flow. For example, the controller 44 may instruct
the supplemental air supply 25 to rapidly open and close one valve,
while leaving the other valves closed, for a desired duration.
Accordingly, pulsated supplemental air flows may be provided to the
clogged or partially clogged flow path 22 for the desired amount of
time.
[0038] A perspective view of a portion of the product distribution
system 17 of FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 4. For simplicity, the control
system 26 (in particular, the controller 44) is not illustrated but
will be referenced with respect to the product distribution system
17 in the discussion below. In the illustrated embodiment, as
previously described, the compressor 42 supplies air to the
supplemental air supply 25 and/or the air blower 21. In another
embodiment, the air blower 21 may be coupled to a different
compressor or may be a standalone unit. In either embodiment, the
air blower 21 is configured to provide fluid (e.g., air) to the
inlets 40 of the flow paths 22 for conveying product through the
flow paths 22. The product (e.g., fertilizer), in the illustrated
embodiment, drops (e.g., via gravity) through the metering device
27 and into a separate opening (or, in another embodiment, the same
opening) of the inlets 40 from above the boom 20. The metering
device 27 may provide resistance to product flow from the product
storage tank 16 to the flow paths 22. The resistance may be
selectively increased or decreased, upon instruction from the
controller 44, for example, such that product is metered at a
desired rate. In some embodiments, the metering device 27 may be a
Venturi box. The controller 44, or an operator via the display 46
(e.g., user interface), may determine a desired operating capacity
(e.g., rate of product distribution) of the applicator 10, and
adjust the metering device 27 accordingly.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the compressor 42 is coupled
to the supplemental air supply 25, and the supplemental air supply
25 is fluidly coupled to each of the flow paths 22 to provide
supplemental air flows to the flow paths 22. For example, the
illustrated supplemental air supply 25 includes a number of nozzles
70, each nozzle 70 being fluidly coupled to a respective one of the
flow paths 22. The nozzles 70 may be housed within the supplemental
air supply 25 (e.g., the illustrated supply box 25), or the nozzles
70 may be disposed proximate to the sensors 52. In the illustrated
embodiment, each of the nozzles 70 includes a valve 72 configured
to be selectively opened or closed, as instructed by the controller
44, as previously described. For example, one of the valves 72 may
be transitioned to an open position while all the remaining valves
72 are left in a closed position (as, for example, per instructions
from the controller 44). Accordingly, upon instruction from the
controller 44, the supplemental air supply 25 may provide a
supplemental air flow to the flow path 22 having the open valve
72.
[0040] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the
supplemental air supply 25 may provide the supplemental air flows
to the flow path 22 via an air duct integrated with the flow path.
For example, a portion of an embodiment of a flow path 22 having an
integrated duct 80 is shown in FIG. 5. In the illustrated
embodiment, the duct 80 is disposed onto a cylindrical surface 82
of the flow path 22. The duct 80 is configured to receive the
supplemental air flow from the supplemental air supply 25 (or from
the nozzle 70 thereof). Because the duct 80 is not configured to
distribute product (e.g., the duct 80 is substantially void of
product), the supplemental air flow travels through the duct 80
substantially uninterrupted by product or product clogs.
[0041] An opening 84 fluidly couples the duct 80 to the flow path
22, in which the flow path 22 is configured to distribute the
product. The duct 80 may also include one or more flow diverting
features configured to divert the supplemental air flow through the
opening between the duct 80 and the flow path 22. For example, a
supplemental air flow may be provided to the duct 80 via the
supplemental air supply 25 and routed through the opening 84 by the
flow diverting features, such that the supplemental air flow enters
the flow path 22 proximate to the product clog and breaks up the
product clog to unclog the flow path 22. It should be noted that
the duct 80 may include any number of openings 84 (with
corresponding flow diverting features) between the duct 80 and the
flow path 22 such that clogs at various locations may be removed,
as described above. The flow diverting features may be selectively
movable (e.g., based on instruction from the controller 44).
Accordingly, if a product clog is located proximate to a particular
one of the openings 84, the controller 44 may move the appropriate
flow diverting feature(s) for diverting the supplemental air flow
from the duct 80, through the desired opening 84, and to the
product clog. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the
openings 84 between the duct 80 and the flow path 22 may be
selectively closed, e.g., via instructions from the controller 44
to direct the supplemental air flow to a region of the flow path 22
just upstream of, and proximate to, a detected product clog. The
controller 44, or an operator via the display 46 or user interface
of the control system 26, may instruct (e.g., control) the flow
diverting features, the openings 84, and/or the supplemental air
supply 21 to direct the supplemental air flow to the region
upstream of and proximate to the clog, based on the determined
pressure(s) and/or velocity/velocities at one or more location
along the flow path(s) 22.
[0042] Turning now to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the display 46
configured to display information relating to the product
distribution system 17 (and the applicator 10 in general) is shown.
As previously described, the display 46 may be configured to
display a wide range of information for viewing by an operator. The
display 46 may show information relating to, for example, static
pressures in each flow path 22, a comparison between static
pressures in a single flow path 22 and/or between flow paths 22,
current operating capacity, suggested operating capacity, a target
operating capacity, a determined pressure drop (e.g., within each
flow path 22), a pressure drop tolerance, a location of one or more
particular pressure drops within each flow path 22 (e.g., conduit),
and/or other information. It should be noted that operating
capacity may refer to an amount of product being distributed per
unit of time or some other metric directed to performance of the
product distribution system 17. It should also be noted that air
velocity within the flow paths 22 may also be determined and
displayed on the display 46. In addition, air velocity may be
determined and, based on the velocities, pressure information may
be determined and displayed on the display 46. Or, pressures may be
determined and, based on the pressures, velocity information may be
displayed on the display 46. One of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize that, in light of Bernoulli's principle (among other
mathematical derivations relating pressures and velocities of a
moving fluid), either pressures or velocities of the air flow
within the flow paths 22 may be determined, compared, and utilized
to determine whether a product clog has formed, or may form, in one
or more flow paths 22 of the booms 20.
[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the display 46 includes an
operating capacity section 90 configured to provide the operator
with information relating to the operating capacity of the
applicator 10 and, more particularly, the product distribution
system 17 of the applicator 10. For example, the illustrated
operating capacity section 90 includes a pressure drop tolerance
segment 92 configured to indicate a pressure drop threshold for
each flow path 22 of the booms 20. For example, the pressure drop
tolerance may be automatically determined and set by the controller
44, or manually set by the operator. If the pressure drop within
one of the flow paths 22 exceeds the pressure drop tolerance (e.g.,
at a particular location with the flow path 22), the operator (or
the controller 44) may instruct the supplemental air supply to
provide a supplemental air flow (e.g., upstream and proximate to
the clog or partial clog). The illustrated current operating
capacity section 90 also includes a product output section 94 which
indicates how much product is being distributed (e.g., per unit
time). For example, the product output section 94 may indicate that
a certain number of seeds or fertilizer particles is being
distributed per second. The product output section 94 in the
illustrated embodiment is an aggregate number that includes totals
from all of the flow paths 22, although individual product output
information may be shown for each separate flow path 22 in another
embodiment. The illustrated current operating capacity section 90
also includes an air flow speed segment 96 configured to show a
speed of the air provided by the air blower 21. In particular, the
air flow speed segment 96 may show the air flow speed at the inlets
40 of the flow paths 22. In some embodiments, segment 96 may be a
flow rate segment, which indicates a volumetric flow rate of the
air flow (e.g., cubic meters per hour (m.sup.3/hr) or cubic feet
per minute (cfm)). In some embodiments, the display 46 may include
an air flow rate and an air flow speed segment.
[0044] In addition, the current operating capacity section 90
includes information relating to product clogs in the flow paths
22. For example, the current operating capacity section 90 includes
a highest pressure drop segment 98 that indicates the highest
pressure drop across all locations of all flow paths 22, a flow
path at highest pressure drop segment 100 that indicates which flow
path 22 has the highest pressure drop, and a location segment 102
that indicates the location of the highest pressure drop within the
flow path 22 having the highest pressure drop (e.g., in segment
100). The segments 98, 100, 102 may indicate to the operator the
area with the largest clog or having the most likelihood of forming
a clog. In addition, if supplemental air flows from the
supplemental air supply 25 are unsuccessful in unclogging the flow
path(s) 22, the segments 98, 100, 102 readily alert the operator
such that the operator may take the applicator 10 off-line for
maintenance. The segments 98, 100, 102 may also direct the operator
to the areas of the booms 20 (or flow paths 22 thereof) at which
the clog may be located or likely to form. Further, the control
system 26 shown in previous embodiments may include a purge mode
that, when activated, clears all the booms 20 (e.g., the flow paths
22 thereof) of substantially all the product. For example, the
purge mode may be activated before taking the product distribution
system 17 off-line for a substantial amount of time (e.g., at the
end of the work day). The operator may utilize the display 46
features to determine if the purge mode successfully cleared the
booms 20 (e.g., the flow paths 22 thereof) of the product.
[0045] Further still, in the illustrated embodiment, the display 46
presents graphs for showing the pressure drop in particular flow
paths 22, and at particular locations in each flow path 22. For
example, pressure drop graphs 104 are shown on the display 46 in
the illustrated embodiment, in which each of the pressure drop
graphs 104 shows pressure drops along the respective flow path 22
at various locations relative to, e.g., the inlet 40 (e.g.,
locations L1 through L5). Each of the graphs 104 includes a
pressure drop tolerance line 106 which indicates whether the
determined pressure drop exceeds or is approaching the pressure
drop tolerance at the various locations in each flow path 22.
Indeed, the pressure drop tolerance line 106 in the graphs 104
corresponds with the pressure drop tolerance segment 92 in the
current operating capacity section 90. The pressure drop tolerance
may be automatically determined, adjusted, and/or suggested by the
controller 44, as previously described, or the pressure drop
tolerance may be determined and adjusted by the operator based at
least in part on the information displayed on the display 46.
Further, in some embodiments, the display 46 may include
information relating to the ground speed of the vehicle 10
described in previous embodiments. The current ground speed may be
shown on the display 46 and/or a historical ground speed may be
tracked over time and shown on the display 46 via a graph.
[0046] In general, the disclosed control system 26 is configured to
enhance performance, efficiency, and output of the applicator 10,
and in particular the performance, efficiency, and output of the
product distribution system 17 of the applicator 10. By monitoring
pressure and/or velocity of air flow within the flow paths 22 of
the booms 20 of the applicator 10, by identifying product clogs
within each flow path 22 based on the pressure and/or velocity, and
by removing the clogs by providing supplemental air flows via the
supplemental air supply 25, an operating capacity of the applicator
10 (and in particular the product distribution system 17) may be
increased and/or more accurately determined compared to embodiments
without the disclosed control system 26. Further, the applicator 10
may be operated for a longer period of time without maintenance
because product clogs may be more readily identified and removed,
in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0047] While only certain features of the invention have been
illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes
will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be
understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such
modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the
invention.
* * * * *